A Race Against Time

[ian1964 10,419]

By Andrew Dickson

 

SASA PAPAC and Kenny Miller are hopeful of returning to the Rangers squad for Sunday's trip to face Hibernian at Easter Road.

 

Sasa Papac and Willo FloodBosnian defender Papac missed last weekend's 3-1 win over Motherwell with a gash in his foot, an injury sustained against St Mirren on April 8.

 

He trained normally at Murray Park this morning and looks likely to be passed fit to feature in the capital.

 

Whether he comes straight back into the squad is another matter, however, as Steven Whittaker did well in his left-back position against the Steelmen.

 

One option could be to move Whittaker onto the left side of midfield against his old club but it appears Steven Smith has done enough to retain his place in the team.

 

The 23-year-old made his first appearance in 51 weeks last Saturday and showed plenty of good touches - if a little rustiness too - in his 73-minute outing.

 

Smith was deployed in the same position against Aberdeen's reserves in midweek and scored a penalty in a 2-1 win at Auchenhowie.

 

That impressed manager Walter Smith and it is understood he'll stay involved in the capital.

 

Stevie SmithMiller has not played since Scotland's 3-0 defeat in Holland last month and his last Gers appearance was two weeks before that in the League Cup final.

 

He has seen a specialist about the hamstring problem which has been hindering him lately and he has reached a point where he could be ready to play once more.

 

That comes as good news to boss Smith as he looks for competition to fit strikers Kris Boyd, Nacho Novo and Andrius Velicka.

 

Kirk Broadfoot, Lee McCulloch, DaMarcus Beasley, Kyle Lafferty and Kevin Thomson are all out for the crucial clash with the Hibees.

 

But former captain Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor are available for selection again after their two-week suspensions from the club ended.

 

The pair returned to training today but are lacking match sharpness so it seems the best they can hope for are places on the bench.

[Tannochsidebear 2,315]

So Miller is fit enough to go straight back into the team, despite not playing since the Holland game and being out through injury, while Ferguson and McGregor can only make the bench because they have not played since the Holland game??

 

Hopefully Smith can refrain from playing his 2nd most favourite player against Hibs, and continue with the Boyd/Velicka partnership that looked decent enough last week, remembering that Hibs rearguard are all big physical players that Boyd and Velicka should be better suited to playing against.

 

If Miller can come on in the second half when Velicka starts to tire, and make an impact, he can push for a start in the semi, but no way should he walk straight back into the team, given his recent form before the injury has been absolutely awful.

[CammyF 6,807]

Some players recover more quickly than others, so are naturally fitter than others, some players will play while feeling a tweak, others will take a fortnight out to recover. Miller has always been a fit player and one who has recovered quickly when injured.

 

Not forgetting his previous performance at Easter Road where he scored two wonderful goals.

 

Cammy F

[Super_Ally 0]

I wouldn't be risking Miller for a start right away. Depending on other options he could maybe make the bench with Novo as attacking options.

 

I hope Smith keeps his place. I think he deserves too.

 

Not really fussed either way over Whittaker/Papac, Dailly/Whittaker for the fullbacks.

[Tannochsidebear 2,315]

Some players recover more quickly than others, so are naturally fitter than others, some players will play while feeling a tweak, others will take a fortnight out to recover. Miller has always been a fit player and one who has recovered quickly when injured.

 

Not forgetting his previous performance at Easter Road where he scored two wonderful goals.

 

Cammy F

 

I do indeed remember his performance at Easter Road the last time, as it was the last really good performance we have had from him. Still it was only 7 months ago!!

 

I suppose another one is due, and I will gladly take it when it comes along, and the sooner the better.

[Tannochsidebear 2,315]

Not really fussed either way over Whittaker/Papac, Dailly/Whittaker for the fullbacks.

 

 

I am fussed about it. There is no way I want Dailly risked again. We got away with it against a poor Motherwell side who never attacked his flank at all. Better opposition will slaughter him.

 

Whittaker has to come back to RB, with Papac back in at left back. I agree that Smith did really well last week and deserves another go at LM. Apparantly Smith played at LM for the reserves in midweek against sheepy and played really well then too, scoring a penalty as well. Dont think he has any chance of getting the ball off Boydy if we manage to get one on sunday though.

[Super_Ally 0]

I am fussed about it. There is no way I want Dailly risked again. We got away with it against a poor Motherwell side who never attacked his flank at all. Better opposition will slaughter him.

 

Whittaker has to come back to RB, with Papac back in at left back. I agree that Smith did really well last week and deserves another go at LM. Apparantly Smith played at LM for the reserves in midweek against sheepy and played really well then too, scoring a penalty as well. Dont think he has any chance of getting the ball off Boydy if we manage to get one on sunday though.

 

Boyd can't afford to let someone else take the penalties if he's going to reach the 40 or 50 goals Mendes is expecting of him in our remaining 7/8 games.:devil: